Since the last blog at Lughnasadh, it has been a very busy and intense quarter for COIRE SOIS. As usual, I had a wonderful time with the amazing Wild Routes Eco-Tour Group in beautiful West Cork, sharing mythological storytelling, ancestral connection, and honouring our Sacred Land. The immersion module for COIRE SOIS Overseas Students took place from the 19th to the 29th of September. We visited Tara, Fourknocks, Uisneach, Emain Macha, and Newgrange, with the highlight being the participation of COIRE SOIS Students and Priestesses in the Dawn Ceremony for Autumn Equinox at Loughcrew/Sliabh na Cailligh. On the 27th of September, a new cohort of COIRE SOIS Priestesses was ordained at the COIRE SOIS Temple and Garden in South Wexford.
As we now approach Samhain, I am preparing to travel to Athboy, Co. Meath, near Tlachtga/Hill of Ward, the home of Samhain, where I will be offering workshops, sharing Samhain traditions and ancestral stories. On the 7th and 8th of November, I will be at Uisneach to participate in the Samhain Festival, and on the 15th of November, I return to Uisneach to run the first of a new cycle of Wheel of the Year Workshops at the newly-revamped Yurt space. As we stood on the summit of Loughcrew, at the Autumn Equinox, awaiting the sunrise, we honoured the ancestors and the beloved more-recently departed, and welcomed the Cailleach as Hag of Winter, poised at the balance point as we moved into the Dark of the Year. The Cailleach continues to walk with us, guiding us, teaching us resilience, through the challenges of this time.
We now prepare to honour and welcome Tlachtga, who is intertwined with this time of Samhain. Her name meaning “earth spear", she was a powerful druid, who gathered knowledge and magic from all over the world. Following the tragic story of her violation, and her death on the Hill of Tlachtga, as she birthed her three sons: Doirb, Cuma, and Muach; her wisdom, and power, poured into the Earth. She told us that as long as her sons names are remembered and spoken, Ireland would be safe. For this reason, I always maintain the practise at Samhain of honouring and remembering Tlachtga and her great wisdom, and repeating aloud the names of her sons.
Mór Rioghain, also, is a guide and powerful ally during the Dark of the Year, inspiring strength, determination, and awakening our warrior energy to deal with the battles of life.
Wishing you all Grá agus Beannachtaí, and warmth and company, when you have need of it, at this time of year.
Samhain, a time for gathering around the fire, sharing stories, and honouring the ancestors.
The Hag’s Chair, Loughcrew/Sliabh na Cailligh
New COIRE SOIS Priestesses
Samhain is a time for remembering and honouring our beloved dead. A time when the world of Spirit is close. A simple way to honour those we love, who have gone before us, is to light a candle before their photographs, perhaps with a glass of wine or whiskey, or some food.
Photo of my ancestors’ table, with photos of my parents, and other family members who are no longer with us. This is how I honour them.
